In 2 Timothy 3:15, the apostle Paul reminded Timothy of “how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Paul says that the Bible makes us wise so that we can be saved, and Timothy learned this since he was a young child.
Where did Timothy learn the Scriptures from infancy? From his mother and his grandmother. Timothy learned the foundations of salvation from his family. It’s easy to read that, nod, and move on; it makes sense, but it’s not always the case. Even among Christians, it seems that Christian parents have delegated Bible teaching to the church. This was not God’s plan.
Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 say: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” God’s original plan for teaching the Scriptures, which make us “wise for salvation,” was for families to teach God’s commands through everyday life.
Family life, then, becomes “Bible school.” Every morning brings new opportunities to tell about God’s promises. Every chore is a chance to describe God’s power and tell about God’s plan—and how each of us has a part in that plan. Every evening should lead us to look back over God’s blessings throughout the day and thank him.
Parents, you are responsible for teaching Scriptures to your children, but you don’t have to be a Bible scholar or professional educator, you just have to tell your children what you do know and do it through your everyday experiences. However, your responsibility to teach your kids should encourage you to build up your own faith and knowledge of Jesus, and you can do that through personal and smaller group Bible study. Get involved in a smaller group or start one yourself. Be sure to catch the September sermon series as we get back to the Bible together.